Here goes nothin- my first official blog since I left America. It has been quite the adventure already and it is only the end of the first day! I almost need to keep a list with me throughout the day of things that I need to put on here! Beware I feel alot of exclamations coming on because everything is so thrilling! Where to begin... I successfully made it through international security with all of my stuff without any problems and my one suitcase was EXACTLY the required fifty pounds! Go space bags (thanks Mom)! The plane flight was pretty sweet and I loved looking down as the world disappeared beneath me. My friend who was an experienced flyer was kind enough to switch with me so I could have a window seat. The world looked like ants and I feel like I go closer to God as I thought about how the earth will one day pass away and how we are created to be heavenly beings someday. It was breathtaking to watch the sky change from pink to orange to purple and blue while I was floating in the middle of it. I started watching Bolt and it was a wonderful movie until I fell asleep 15 minutes in and woke up during the credits. I thought the food was great and there might just be a tea cup from the plane in my room now. (shh don't tell). We left DFW at about 4:45 PM and then arrived in London at 7:30 AM (British time).

Best part of the airport: Kirsten and I wandered into a maze by our gate and it started making sounds! It turned out to be a "harmonic labyrinth" piece of art and we ran around chasing each other in it like little kids listening to the different sounds it made. So funny!

Fun fact about flying: I did not know is that when you sit in one spot for 8 hours straight the pressure and heat cause your feet to swell. I could barely get my shoes on when we were about to land! Talk about frieky! I survived and after walking around for about an hour or two my feet were back to normal.

Blonde moment of the day: When I went through Customs upon arriving to London at the airport today we waited in line for over half an hour and keep in mind we are all super droggy from the flight and time change. I walked up to the UK Border Patrol and he asked me where I was going to study at. I answered the UK. He was not the happiest of men to begin with. He then said, "Duh thats why you are standing here. Now where at?" I said Oxford I'm sorry. He replied, "I hope you learn something there." Lol poor guy needs a new job and silly me just helped the stereotype of stupid Americans.

The coach (bus) ride from London to Oxford was a little over an hour and immediately gorgeous! There is green everywhere you look and hills with perfect quaint houses everywhere! We moved into our houses and rooms and then went out to explore the city. When they say you walk everywhere they really mean it! And they also meant it when they said try not to get hit by a bus or a car. People drive fast and the streets are RIGHT next to the sidewalk! Dr. Morgan, one of the onsite directors, led us all over the area, showing us parks and grocery stores and buildings and museums and Harry Potter film locations. I could go on and on about all we saw in just a few hours. Then she left us in the middle of the city center with the shops and pointed toward home and said see you there later, now go explore on your own! No worries. Against all odds I found my way back to the house after getting my first British pound and buying some groceries.

FIRST TIME to eat at a pub (The Royal Oak) and eat Fish and Chips. They were delicious and I will most certainly go back! I still can't help but picture the scene from Tangled of the snuggly duckling when I think of a pub. It's ok there were no ruffians and thugs in this one.

Initial impression words to describe Oxford: Green and Quaint. Can't wait to wake up and explore more on a run in the morning. I love you all.